1 [A Song of Ascents. By Solomon.] Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to stay up late, eating the bread of toil; for he gives sleep to his loved ones.
3 Behold, children are a heritage of the Lord. The fruit of the womb is his reward.
4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.
5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won't be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.